Sharks snap up Gibbs as Nash stands down (From Gazette Series)

Sharks snap up Gibbs as Nash stands down

IT'S all change at Sharpness for the new campaign with Dave Nash stepping down as manager of Sharpness and team mate Terry Gibbs accepting the position.

Nash, 31, who will remain as a player for Sharpness, said: "Things were getting difficult. My own form and fitness suffered from my being manager and I had stopped enjoying my football. So I made a decision and informed the committee in March that I would not continue in that capacity the following season but would concentrate on playing."

Dave Nash can be proud of his five year managerial record with Sharpness. Three years ago they won the Northern Senior League Division One title; two years ago they won the Stroud Charity Cup, as well as being runners-up twice in Nash's time.

Last season was difficult for the Sharks. Around Christmas time they were struggling near the basement but they picked themselves up to finish fourth in the league after a fine run.

And Nash is convinced they can do better. "A group of players have grown up together - players like Mike Sherman, Tim Thomas, Matt Frankham and Pete Waite - and they are now maturing," he said. "We just need two or three players now to seriously challenge for honours."

He added: "Terry Gibbs is a good appointment. He is very experienced and has a lot to offer. I wish him all the best."

Gibbs, 39, is a Whitminster boy and a former Whitminster player, playing for that club since it re-formed in 1981. He retired for personal reasons some six years ago but then a chance meeting with Sharpness chairman Jimmy Thomas tempted him back into football.

With a wife and three young children, he obviously has a lot of commitments, and also having played for another club for so long, he was dubious about the change. But as he said: "Jimmy's enthusiasm for the club rubbed off on me and I've been well received at Sharpness."

And now Thomas has persuaded Gibbs to take on the manager's mantle.

And what does the new boss think of Sharpness's chances for the new season?

"We finished fourth after a good season," said Gibbs, "and would have done a lot better but for injuries to key players and bad luck in key games. Basically we are quite a young side with a lot of potential and the aim is simply to do as well as we can.

"With Berkeley, Sharpness and Cam all together now in Northern Senior One there will be some keen local derbies and plenty to play for."

The new manager has taken an early decision to appoint Ricky Swift to take on the coaching role. "He is an old mate of mine and very committed to Sharpness and I know he will revel in the added responsibility," said Gibbs.

The chairman praised Dave Nash, and also included Mike Sherman, saying: "They have been two of the finest players in the district for the past five years and could have played football at a higher level. But their commitment has shone through and has helped to keep the club where it is. With the prospect of a new ground in the foreseeable future, I can only offer them the thanks of Sharpness AFC.